The myth of "best" in audio needs to be addressed by all of us


After spending a year and half deeply immersed in audiophilia (with so much enjoyable benefit), I've identified my tendency (seemingly share by many) to chase the fantasy of "best" in this perfectionistic hobby/pursuit.  It leads to obsessiveness, second-guessing, acrimony between audio tribes, and personal insecurity when reading these forums and all the reviews.  

But, thinking about it, how could there ever be a "best" component, cable, or speaker for listening to music.  This is a subjective experience!!! 

From a purely measurement/engineering perspective -- "best" could mean a lot of things (but they don't automatically mean more enjoyable sonics). 

In listening and enjoying music, there is no "best" -- only "favorite".  And even "favorite" can change -- it certainly has for me.  I've gone back and forth multiple times on all sorts of gear preferences. You can like what you like, you don't have to defend it, and nobody should mess with it!

Anybody else want to fight the harmful myth of "best" in audio?
redwoodaudio

Showing 3 responses by keegiam

@redwoodaudio

Relax.  At 1.5 years, your impressions are brand new.  Of course there's no "best," and it looks like you're already putting that idea to rest.  When you see controversies over "the best," just move on.  Good luck on your journey!

Our cultural media environment encourages dumbed down and simplistic views of every complicated and nuanced issue
@photon46

Bingo, thank you.

redwood & Tomic;
FM tuners. How amazing was FM so early on? Yep, we learned long ago that good measurements aren't necessarily predictors of the best sound.

A friend recently mentioned he still has his Magnum Dynalab - hoping to hear it soon.